Rotoroa Island Must Do's

Weekend Day Trips

For an exciting day trip, discover the history and sandy coves of Rotoroa Island. This predator-free bird sanctuary is 75-minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. The ferry operates weekends only.

The Superintendent’s House

Newly revamped, this hostelstyle abode, complete with shared lounge and kitchen, allows for overnight island stays for as little as $40 per night.

Guided Walks

Join one of the knowledgeable rangers for a 90-minute guided exploration of Rotoroa Island. Learn about the history, conservation efforts and native wildlife.

KAWAU ISLAND MUST DO'S

Ferry Ride

Kawau Island is accessed from Sandspit Wharf. Leaving at 10.30am daily, the Mansion House Cruise or extended Royal Mail Run Cruise will take across the gulf, often busy with dolphins at play.As the Kawau has no roads, you’ll be shown remote parts of the island accompanied by fascinating commentary from the skipper.

Mansion House

Sir George Grey (former Governor-General of New Zealand) purchased Kawau in the 1860s and you can still visit his Victorian mansion, as well as the surrounding gardens complete with parading peacocks.

Bon Accord Bar & Bistro

Nestled within the Kawau Boating Club, work (or should that be walk) up an appetite and drop in here for food and refreshment. They love visitors!

Rewa aka Alice A. Leigh

The remains of this 3000 ton fourmasted steel barque built in Cumbria, England lay in the northwestern bay on Moturekareka, near Kawau Island. Having survived a U-boat attack in 1916 only to end her days here in 1931. Today it’s a fascinating place to paddle or snorkel over.

TOP TIP: A two-hour round trip walk from Mansion House leads to one of Aotearoa’s first copper mines.

MOTUTAPU ISLAND MUST DO'S

Motutapu Island - credit Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

Historic Landscape

Connected to Rangitoto Island by a small causeway, Motutapu is 178 million years old, making it one of the oldest land masses in the Hauraki Gulf. Its varied history covers extensive Māori settlement, Victorian picnic parties and a World War II base.

TOP TIP: Those with a boat or kayaks at their disposal can sail out to the Beehive Islands. Low tide exposes a platinumwhite sand shelf comparable to a miniature Fijian motu.

The Motutapu Walkway

Make your way from Islington Bay on Rangitoto Island, across the causeway to Home Bay and Emu Bay on this undulating farmland walk. Takes roughly one to oneand-a-half hours.

Birdwatching

Following the world’s largest island pest eradication programme, this is a fine place to admire a flurry of native birds including the rare and beautiful tīeke.

Home Bay Conservation Campsite

Thanks to DOC, you can camp overnight right by the beach, as long as you’re prepared to carry all your gear from the Rangitoto ferry terminal (or book a water taxi).

Motutapu Island - credit Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz